Comments on: Is the Role of CIO Ascending or Descending?

By: Peter Hagedoorn

Peter Hagedoorn — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:15:43 +0000

As former CIO and now consultant on ICT Governance I fully recognize the statement and fully agree with the analysis. Knowing no organization can exist in future without well organized IT (even not a one men’s shop), the trick is in a well organized ICT Governance. As long as a CIO is more an ICT technician than a real Chief (generalist) getting organized the Information properly, the conflict will remain. I still see too many Boards (in the Netherlands), appointing pure technicians in the CIO role and than wondering why things go wrong. Many Boards also don’t understand that to get your ICT well organized to serve the business well is a real challenge. A task that cannot be delegated to lower ranks. Good organizations nowadays can be recognized on how they organize their ICT. The reality is that in many cases ICT is not considered as business critical or important, with all consequences.

By: Tony

Tony — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:44:11 +0000

The role of the CIO is becoming more business focused. Gone are the days when a purely technical person could get to this level. The CIO of the future needs to have a well balanced understanding of business priorities and how the I.T can align to them. They also need a clear defined strategy of where both the business and I.T are going. Having a good CIO is key to any I.T department growing and getting the funding and backing it needs

By: Sam Memberg

Sam Memberg — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:31:00 +0000

Agree completely. The first steps are: 1) making the things that people see (office software, interfaces, response time) work – all of the time; 2) speaking directly (especially answering questions without resorting to jagon or tech-speak); 3) learning the business and understanding where (and what kind of) technology can help move business functions forward. Once that “easy “stuff is done you’ve got credibility and can join non-IT discussions.

This comment was originally posted on LinkedIn

By: JoshLevine

JoshLevine — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:38:36 +0000

CIOs aren’t going away… just get one with ops experience. RT @CheyennePeddleIs the Role of CIO http://bit.ly/18zMNr #CIO #IT

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

By: CheyennePeddle

CheyennePeddle — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:08:49 +0000

Is the Role of CIO Ascending or Descending? http://bit.ly/18zMNr #CIO #IT

This comment was originally posted on Twitter

By: Owen McCall

Owen McCall — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:35:43 +0000

CIO influence is an area I am intensely interested in. I Believe that the issues you discuss here show that most CIOs lack influence. My view is that this is because most CIOs and their organisations actually do a pretty bad job of getting the basics right. IF you can show that you are competent by getting the basics right your peers will begin to listen to you and even seek out your opinion.

For more follow the link!! http://viewfield1.blogspot.com/2008/10/is-hierarchy-of-needs-about-5-years-ago.html

This comment was originally posted on LinkedIn

By: Phil Maternowski

Phil Maternowski — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:00:55 +0000

Information Technology is increasing critical to business success as it becomes increasingly embedded in the product and service offerings of organziations. I agree that leaders need to be able to participate and communicate effectively with the executive leadership team of an organization and speak in terms others will understand.

Check out this book by Harwell Thrasher: Boiling the IT Frog
website address: http://www.makingitclear.com/itfrog.html

This comment was originally posted on LinkedIn

By: Shaun Taylor

Shaun Taylor — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:38:25 +0000

Descending as too many CIO's are introverted technologist who fail to communicate effectively with the business! IS functions need charismatic leaders who are capable of winning the hearts and minds who do not communicate in technobabble.

To stem the decline with need CIO's who ensures the function delivers against what is promised and who can explain how IS can make a difference in plain english.

This comment was originally posted on LinkedIn

By: Gordon Blackwell

Gordon Blackwell — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:49:58 +0000

Your discussion returns fundamentally to the basis of human nature. Your question could have well have been “Is the Role of CFO Ascending or Descending”? …COO? …HR Director?

The CFO attempts to solve the Challenge Du Jour by applying financial remedies. The COO resolves by altering business processes. And, the HR Director by right-sizing the labor force. However, the ideal leader pauses, observes, ponders, and applies strategic alterations.

I believe that the evolution of business is not ascending or descending the CIO role or any other position. However, increasing complexities demands a multifaceted leadership style. Org charts would better represent members of a business as Venn Diagrams. While an individual may have accelerated insights regarding one aspect of business (i.e. a CIO with Technology), a leader must consider carefully all environmental factors, including the employees, directors, stockholders, clients, and the community. He or she must apply fundamental principles from various subjects, including finance, technology, legal, and human relations.

We are developing the most powerful organizations that the world has ever experienced. But to quote Stanley Lieber, a great writer in the mid-1900′s (no, not Spider Man)… “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.” The CIO role is not Ascending or Descending. The role is evolving to incorporate a progressively more complex reality that results from increasing power.

By: Steve Berg

Steve Berg — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:46:08 +0000

Scott – firstly, great article.

I believe the role of the CIO is very much defined by the CEO. If the CEO believes technology is a leverage point in his/her organization then the CIO will be given the latitude to succeed.

Secondly, for a CIO who comes from a technology background to understand the business he/she needs to learn to think like a COO. I come from a manufacturing IT background and have dealt with Operations leaders for years and if you (as a CIO) can learn how the business runs from an Ops perspective you will succeed. Once you can stop talking about how your new email server will increase productivity and how making a programmatic change in your ERP system will result in the ability to produce 5% more widgets a day, then you will have the ear of the executive management team.